Prior to entering the Clinical Art Therapy program with CIIAT in Victoria, BC, I was an Alternative Ed. teacher (BEd) working with                                         with at- risk youth and adults.  

                                        The creative arts (poetry & writing, music, photography, expressive, & visual arts) were an important part of our program.  They 

                                        were used both academically & therapeutically to support students in achieving their goals. This was also integrated in work

                                      with those in substance dependence recovery within a community modeled treatment center I also worked in. 

                             As a teacher, I was aware of, actively engaged in addressing cultural & historic injustices/abuses and collective trauma impacts in   

                 education & Canadian society.  I was our program/school's SOGI Inclusion Rep & fostered community for our LBTQ2S youth (and allies).  

I celebrate diversity, and welcome clients from all backgrounds and walks of life. 

I am a Registered Art Therapist provideing online support services (5 years) for trauma (ptsd,cptsd), 

dissociation,  grief & loss,  attachment wounds, tbi & mtbi, chronic pain, and substance dependence. 

I use mindfulness & 'body work' with my clients as stress experienced from adverse experiences is generally physiologically embedded in the body & cells.  Using elements of somatic experiencing & sensorimotor AT helps to shift and release sensory memories experienced & also carried in the physical body.

I am trained in the Flash Technique (tapping &r eye movements) to reduce distress associated with traumatic memories and other disturbing content that interferes with enjoyment and fulfilment in life.    www.flashtechnique.com

           As part of my AT training, I worked collaboratively with a

           group of Ugandan women to enhance life, daily living, and 

           economic opportunities, affording them greater autonomy,

           agency, and economic stability. 

           It was an honour to work with these inspiring women in person.

BCATR, RCAT

In my spare time, I like to travel with my backpack,  spend time exploring (nature

        & culture) and meeting othering from different cultural backgrounds. 

               I spent some time living & working abroad (middle east) which 

                 broadened my perspective of people, culture, and the world.   

                It also infused me with that travel bug.  

              I enjoy photography and digital arts, painting (oils, watercolour),   

          sculpting driftwood pieces, creating music, working on my house, and 

  relaxing around the campfire (sometimes with my guitar) in the backyard.

Jennifer Ryper